NBA Fantasy: Week 3 Start and Sit Picks
With 18 teams playing four games and 12 playing three, managers must weigh injury risks and schedule variance for their lineups.
By Neha Delgado ·
Fantasy basketball managers face a complex calculus this week as the NBA schedule creates a split in workload. Eighteen teams, including the Phoenix Suns and Boston Celtics, will take the floor four times. The remaining twelve teams, led by the Chicago Bulls and New York Knicks, will play only three games. This disparity forces owners to weigh potential upside against the risk of leaving roster spots empty during lighter weeks.
In the guard position, Collin Gillespie of the Suns presents a strong start option. He recorded 16 points, 10 assists, and four steals in his last outing against Denver. His production surged after Dillon Brooks was ejected and Jalen Green struggled. The Suns hold the most favorable schedule this week, playing Golden State, Portland, Orlando, and Houston. Jeremiah Fears of the Pelicans also warrants a start. He has averaged 21.0 points and 10.0 assists in his last two games while Dejounte Murray was away. Fears has started all six games this season, providing a stable baseline despite Murray's expected return.
Managers should consider sitting Jaylen Wells of the Grizzlies. Through six games, he has averaged 12.2 points and 1.2 steals. Four of his seven total steals came in the season opener against Utah. With Memphis playing only three games, the limited opportunity cost of sitting him is low. Miles Bridges of the Suns offers a reliable forward start. He has averaged 16.3 points and 7.3 rebounds in four games. His consistent two-way production places him in the top 50 for standard categories, making him a safe bet given Phoenix's four-game slate.
Collin Murray-Boyles of the Raptors is a prime candidate for the bench. He ranks 180th in nine-category leagues, averaging 7.7 points and 4.7 rebounds in 19.0 minutes. He played just 20 minutes against the Lakers on Sunday, even with Jakob Poeltl out with a shoulder injury. Mikal Bridges of the Knicks is another sit. He has averaged 6.2 points and 1.2 three-pointers in 27.4 minutes per game, falling outside the top 200 in production. His role appears secure, but his output has not justified a starting slot.
At center, Aday Mara of the Thunder stands out. Chet Holmgren will miss at least two months with a knee injury, elevating Mara's role. He finished his last game with nine rebounds and four blocks in 28 minutes. Over three straight games, he has averaged 8.0 points and 7.3 blocks while shooting 52.9 percent from the field. Jalen Smith of the Bulls offers strong numbers, averaging 12.0 points and 8.8 rebounds. However, Nic Claxton may return from a hamstring injury soon. Smith's minutes have fluctuated between 19 and 30, suggesting a return to the bench is likely.
The next round of games begins this weekend. Teams like the Suns and Pelicans will test their depth over four contests. The Bulls and Knicks will have one fewer opportunity to accumulate stats. Managers must finalize their lineups before the first tip-off of the week.
Source: CBS Sports
